Story #2: The Rock : 8 Life Skills and Lessons from Rock Climbing!
Every Saturday morning my younger daughter will be having her rock climbing session with her best friend. It is a sport that she recently picked up again (she started at a very young age). She truly enjoys rock climbing. Rock climbing is not for the faint hearted. I have observed that she has picked up some life skills and learned some valuable lessons from rock climbing.
Here’s a summary of my observations on 8 life skills and lessons learned from rock climbing.
1. Discipline & focus
She will wake up early over weekends or holidays just to go rock climbing. There are specific safety gear and safety procedures needed to be checked before every session and before every climb. She is able to do so quickly and independently like clock work. The level of discipline and focus needed is intense. Climbing needs strong discipline. Climbing takes a strong level of focus, especially during climbs with a high difficulty rating or with unique features that challenge your individual abilities and strengths.
2. Problem Solving
She learns to problem solve. She needs to think fast on the next few steps forward, upwards or sideways (literally). if not she will not proceed further and has to descend. Initially she will take some time and she hesitates. Very quickly, she learned that if she doesn't make any move, she will be stuck in a position. She learns to problem solve independently and take responsibility for the consequences of her decision.
3. Decision making
She learns to make decisions on the go. Rock climbing is a sport that teaches you to make decisive decisions. Decisiveness is instilled as rock climbers have to think on their feet and decide on the next move. Earlier days, whenever she got stuck and took some time to think of the next move. She would ponder before taking the leap of faith. Overtime she learns that making decisions is important - as she needs to progress in her climb. Not making any decision will not help her at all. She is now able to use her decision making skills learned from rock climbing in her day-to-day activities.
4. Take calculated risks
She learns quickly that making the wrong move is better than not making any move. I see her getting more bold in her decision making and able to take calculated risks. Sometimes, she will need to re-navigate her climb. Sometimes, she needs to descend and review the routes again before trying again. It is important for her to learn in a safe environment on how to make decisions including taking some calculated risk in order to “test” her decisions. She learns quickly that there are no right or wrong decisions. She knows that taking calculated risks helped to learn from her mistakes and progress.
Fail fast, fail forward
5. Conquering fear
Rock climbing can be pretty intimidating. For most rock climbers the first climb is absolutely most terrifying. The first real climb puts them hundreds of feet above the ground. This fear can cause some people to bail out early and not finish the route.
Over time, climbs that once seemed impossible will be something you do so easily at any time on any day. You’ll then understand that fear should never hold you back from doing something in your life.
Over time, climbs that once seemed impossible will be something you do so easily at any time on any day. You’ll then understand that fear should never hold you back from doing something in your life.
Just do it!
6. Let go
“Jump, grip and hold”.
That's what she told me. She would just jump, grip and hold tight.
“Just let go”.
That's what she told me when I asked her how she descends so gracefully and so confidently.
She learned to be bold and not to think too much. Rock climbing has taught her to let go of her fear of the unknown. Rock climbing has boost her confidence level as she learns to think on her feet more, think fast and make decisions on the go. Whatever the outcome of her decision, it doesn't matter as she knows that there is no right or wrong rock to climb. She knows that she will find her way and she will figure it out as she climbs.
That's what she told me. She would just jump, grip and hold tight.
“Just let go”.
That's what she told me when I asked her how she descends so gracefully and so confidently.
She learned to be bold and not to think too much. Rock climbing has taught her to let go of her fear of the unknown. Rock climbing has boost her confidence level as she learns to think on her feet more, think fast and make decisions on the go. Whatever the outcome of her decision, it doesn't matter as she knows that there is no right or wrong rock to climb. She knows that she will find her way and she will figure it out as she climbs.
7. Agility and adaptability
Rock climbing trains agility and adaptability. Rock climbing strengthens the mind and body. She is more nimble in her mindset and actions. Agility of the mind helps her to think fast and if needed change her routes. She learns to be resourceful and trust her decision and gut feel. She is able to adapt to the environment as she climbs and manages the challenges faced.
8. Teamwork
During the climb, she will discuss strategy with her best friend and strategize on their next moves. Sometimes I see them discussing options and back-up plans. “Activate Plan B” sometimes I hear them shout to one another. I see them motivating and cheering on each other when the going gets tougher. Even at the hardest climb, they persevere and encourage one another till completion of climb. It's heartening to see them working closely as a team having each others’ foot (oops I mean “back”)!
P/S : my daughter helped to place her best friend’s foot on the rock to support her while climbing
P/S : my daughter helped to place her best friend’s foot on the rock to support her while climbing
I am learning from her. I see her growing stronger mentally and physically. Discipline, focus, tenacity, resilience, teamwork and never give up attitude is keeping her motivated as she continues to learn and develop her life skills needed for her to face the real world.
One day, she will look back and connect the dots.
One day, she will share her own stories.
One day, she will create her own legacy.
One day, she will share her own stories.
One day, she will create her own legacy.
First published 4 July 2022, 4:43pm